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Ginny: A Yearning to Belong
A Yearning to Belong
In the years after the Civil War, survival often demanded impossible choices.
When twelve-year-old Ginny stands beside the grave of the only mother who ever claimed her as daughter, she understands one her life will not remain as it was. The aging man who once sheltered her can no longer protect her, and in the weeks that follow, she is quietly folded into a household where her place is uncertain and her worth openly questioned.
They call her simple. They call her slow. They call her “Dumb ol’ Ginny.”
What they do not see is the mind working fiercely beneath the silence — a girl listening, remembering, measuring every word spoken over her life as though it were final judgment.
As the name others give her begins to settle like dust, Ginny must decide whether she will live inside it… or step beyond it.
Set against the uneasy backdrop of Reconstruction-era Georgia, The Name They Gave Me is a story of displacement, endurance, and the quiet awakening of a young woman who refuses to be defined by the voices that sought to diminish her.
Some names are given.
Others are earned.
Through Ginny's own words, we catch a glimpse of her relentless pursuit of love, acceptance, and a place to call her own despite facing immense adversity. Embark on this emotional journey with her as she navigates the challenges and fights for her rightful place in a world that has shown her little kindness from the very start.
Perfect for readers of emotionally layered Southern historical fiction and family sagas centered on strong women.
In the years after the Civil War, survival often demanded impossible choices.
When twelve-year-old Ginny stands beside the grave of the only mother who ever claimed her as daughter, she understands one her life will not remain as it was. The aging man who once sheltered her can no longer protect her, and in the weeks that follow, she is quietly folded into a household where her place is uncertain and her worth openly questioned.
They call her simple. They call her slow. They call her “Dumb ol’ Ginny.”
What they do not see is the mind working fiercely beneath the silence — a girl listening, remembering, measuring every word spoken over her life as though it were final judgment.
As the name others give her begins to settle like dust, Ginny must decide whether she will live inside it… or step beyond it.
Set against the uneasy backdrop of Reconstruction-era Georgia, The Name They Gave Me is a story of displacement, endurance, and the quiet awakening of a young woman who refuses to be defined by the voices that sought to diminish her.
Some names are given.
Others are earned.
Through Ginny's own words, we catch a glimpse of her relentless pursuit of love, acceptance, and a place to call her own despite facing immense adversity. Embark on this emotional journey with her as she navigates the challenges and fights for her rightful place in a world that has shown her little kindness from the very start.
Perfect for readers of emotionally layered Southern historical fiction and family sagas centered on strong women.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2025
About the author
Gary M. Roberts
43 books4 followersAward-winning author Gary M. Roberts is a native of southeast Georgia, where his love for the outdoors was nurtured through countless adventures exploring the woods, swamps, and wilderness on horseback. Those early experiences ignited a lifelong passion for adventure, history, and storytelling, which continue to shape his writing today.
As a U.S. Army veteran, retired police chief, and educator, his diverse life experiences bring depth, authenticity, and insight to his work, blending his respect for history with a keen sense of narrative.
As a U.S. Army veteran, retired police chief, and educator, his diverse life experiences bring depth, authenticity, and insight to his work, blending his respect for history with a keen sense of narrative.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 23, 2025
At its heart, Ginny: A Yearning to Belong is a meditation on promises—those made with love, those broken by circumstance, and those carried like heirlooms through generations. Roberts doesn’t treat promises as mere words; he shows how they become burdens, lifelines, or anchors depending on who holds them. Readers will recognize this tension from their own lives: the vow to care for a loved one, the unspoken duty to protect a child, or even the quiet commitments we keep to ourselves when no one else is looking.
The novel explores the true cost of loyalty—the sacrifices made to honor a dying wish, the strain of fulfilling duties when resources are scarce, and the weight of knowing that failure can mean more than disappointment. In Ginny’s story, promises are not grand or dramatic; they live in the everyday choices of people trying to do what is right, even when it hurts.
Roberts’s prose has the rhythm of sitting by a fading fire, where the embers carry both warmth and sorrow. Every spark feels like a memory—some painful, some comforting, all shaping the resilience of those who remain. This is not a book for readers chasing spectacle or fast-paced drama. It is for those who appreciate reflection, for anyone who has ever paused in the middle of an ordinary day to think about the past, the people who shaped them, and the quiet courage it takes to simply keep going.
It reminds us that survival is not always loud or heroic. Sometimes it is the silent act of keeping one promise, even when the world has already broken so many others.
The novel explores the true cost of loyalty—the sacrifices made to honor a dying wish, the strain of fulfilling duties when resources are scarce, and the weight of knowing that failure can mean more than disappointment. In Ginny’s story, promises are not grand or dramatic; they live in the everyday choices of people trying to do what is right, even when it hurts.
Roberts’s prose has the rhythm of sitting by a fading fire, where the embers carry both warmth and sorrow. Every spark feels like a memory—some painful, some comforting, all shaping the resilience of those who remain. This is not a book for readers chasing spectacle or fast-paced drama. It is for those who appreciate reflection, for anyone who has ever paused in the middle of an ordinary day to think about the past, the people who shaped them, and the quiet courage it takes to simply keep going.
It reminds us that survival is not always loud or heroic. Sometimes it is the silent act of keeping one promise, even when the world has already broken so many others.
August 24, 2025
Ginny: A Yearning to Belong is a poignant and evocative narrative that delves deep into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the human spirit. Through the lens of Ginny's experiences, readers are transported into a world where the quest for acceptance and understanding is both universal and deeply personal.
The authors masterfully intertwine historical context with intimate storytelling, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in their search for a place to call home. The narrative is rich with emotion, capturing the nuances of Ginny's journey and the relationships that shape her path.
What sets this book apart is its ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. The themes explored are timeless, and the characters are rendered with such depth that they feel like old friends by the story's end. The prose is both lyrical and accessible, making for a compelling read that is hard to put down.
In conclusion, Ginny: A Yearning to Belong is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding one's place in the world. It's a must-read for those who appreciate stories that touch the heart and provoke introspection.
The authors masterfully intertwine historical context with intimate storytelling, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in their search for a place to call home. The narrative is rich with emotion, capturing the nuances of Ginny's journey and the relationships that shape her path.
What sets this book apart is its ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. The themes explored are timeless, and the characters are rendered with such depth that they feel like old friends by the story's end. The prose is both lyrical and accessible, making for a compelling read that is hard to put down.
In conclusion, Ginny: A Yearning to Belong is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding one's place in the world. It's a must-read for those who appreciate stories that touch the heart and provoke introspection.
August 23, 2025
This powerful narrative of Ginny’s life is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Set against the struggles of the post–Civil War South, it captures her journey from abandonment and cruelty to resilience and determination. Told through her own voice, Ginny’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring search for love and belonging.
August 26, 2025
“Ginny: A Yearning to Belong” sounds like a heartfelt journey — stories about searching for identity and connection always resonate deeply, especially when they touch on themes of family, belonging, and self-discovery. 💫📖 Would you like me to make a short *comment for social media* about it, like I did with the others?
August 23, 2025
a deeply moving story of resilience and hope. Ginny’s unwavering spirit in the face of constant rejection is both heartbreaking and inspiring. a powerful reminder of the importance of love and acceptance
August 24, 2025
A deeply moving and inspiring read—Ginny’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit. Despite rejection and cruelty, her determination to rise above and find love and belonging makes this an unforgettable journey.
August 25, 2025
A heartfelt and inspiring story that captures the struggles and hopes of finding true belonging. The characters feel real, and the emotions stay with you long after reading. Beautifully written and deeply moving—a book that touches both the heart and mind.
August 26, 2025
A poignant and beautifully illustrated tale! 🌸 'Ginny: A Yearning to Belong' by Gary M. Roberts and Heather Homan is a heartwarming story of love, belonging, and self-discovery. 🌟 The illustrations perfectly capture the emotional depth of Ginny's journey. A lovely read!
August 26, 2025
Wow, Ginny’s story is heart-wrenching 💔—a stark reminder of how deeply the Civil War’s aftermath affected so many families ⚔️🏚️. It’s powerful to see how personal tragedies like hers reflect the broader struggles of that era ⏳. Such stories deserve to be remembered and shared 📖✨.
August 23, 2025
I love it
August 23, 2025
the story is exciting
August 23, 2025
His story really inspires us how to survive in a war situation.
August 24, 2025
A touching story about a girl's search for love and acceptance. Heartfelt and inspiring, a beautiful read.
August 24, 2025
A heartfelt story about finding acceptance and belonging.
August 25, 2025
this book are totally worth it to read
August 26, 2025
A touching and emotional story. It’s beautifully written and really makes you feel connected to the characters. A heartwarming book about family, identity, and love
October 6, 2025
I enjoyed it mostly, but too much repeating of punishment on Ginny. Wish it had other things going on…same old same old.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews